Tisha Starks was beaming with pride after Malaki Starks' introductory press conference at the Under Armour Performance Center.
The previous 24 hours had been a whirlwind – attending the NFL Draft in Green Bay, nervously waiting to hear Malaki's name, then rejoicing after the Ravens called.
As usual, Tisha watched her son handle everything with poise and maturity, making it easy to forget that the Ravens' talented rookie safety is only 21 years old.
Tisha wasn't surprised when General Manager Eric DeCosta said he had an exceptional interview with Starks at the NFL Combine. She's been hearing things like that for years.
"It's just always been easy for him to connect with people," Tisha said. "It's a gift."
Here are five things Starks' mom had to say about her son:
Starks has been a longtime fan of Lamar Jackson.
Starks played quarterback in high school growing up in Jefferson, Ga., having no idea that the quarterback he admired so much would become his teammate with the Ravens.
"Lamar has always been his favorite quarterback," Tisha said. "Even when he was little, it was Lamar, Lamar. Isn't that something? Now they'll be helping each other win."
Passion for football is in Starks' DNA.
Starks played a variety of sports growing up, including basketball and track. But his father, Larry Starks, said the family began to realize in high school that Malaki had become intently focused on the possibility of playing in the NFL.
One clue is that Starks never seemed to get tired of football, whether he was studying it, watching it, or playing it. Tisha said that's not going to change with the Ravens.
"He pretty much eats, sleeps, and breaths football," Tisha said. "He likes to go fishing. He and Savanna do things they like to do. But he loves football. It's not a hobby for him. It's a passion."
His favorite food is chicken, chicken tenders to be specific.
Tisha describes her son as a "very picky" eater, but there's one dish that always works for him – chicken tenders.
According to his fiancé, Savanna Jackson, it won't take Starks long to figure out where he can get chicken tenders near the Ravens' practice facility.
Starks has wedding plans and Super Bowl plans.
Starks and Jackson have their wedding date set for March 20, 2026. He won a national championship in 2022 at Georgia, where he started as a freshman. By next year, Starks hopes to have two new pieces of jewelry – a wedding ring and a Super Bowl ring.
"That would be great, wouldn't it?" Tisha said.
Starks is a small-town guy with a big heart.
According to the census bureau, Jefferson, Ga. had an estimated population of 17,215 in 2024.
"Everybody knows everybody," Tisha said.
Malaki had never been to Baltimore before his plane touched down after the draft, but Tisha said adjusting to city life won't be a problem for her son. He has always been thankful for his success and has worked hard for it. Tisha said his personality won't change in Baltimore.
Asked what she's most proud of about her son, Tisha paused for a moment, then answered.
"I'm most proud of the person he's turned out to be," she said. "He's humble, he's a caring person. He loves people. He fits in anywhere.
"He's kept a level head. He keeps God first in everything he does. He's walking in his purpose. You guys are going to love him."
